TROY, Mich., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Automation Alley, Southeast
Michigan's technology business association, will release key data from its
Fourth Annual Technology Industry Report: Driving Southeast Michigan
Forward, at its State of Technology Luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at the
Troy Marriott. The report, prepared by the Anderson Economic Group,
provides data regarding Automation Alley's rapidly growing presence in the
life sciences sector, as well as employment growth outside of the advanced
automotive industry. Southeast Michigan has a significantly higher
concentration of technology employment compared to the national economy,
and despite the stagnate state of the economy, gives the region a reason to
be optimistic.

"In spite of the fact the entire automotive industry has declined,
Southeast Michigan still has one of the highest concentration of technology
jobs in America," said Ken Rogers, executive director, Automation Alley.
"Our workforce makes us incredibly unique, and it will lead the region and
state out of these difficult times. Talent, I believe, is the next economic
development arena over infrastructure - and we've got the talent required
to take the region into a new economy."

Patrick Anderson, principal and CEO, Anderson Economic Group will
provide an exclusive overview of the report at the luncheon. In addition,
Mike Wendland, technology columnist, Detroit Free Press, will moderate a
panel discussion emphasizing how local companies can achieve success in
these financially difficult times - with a focus on partnership,
collaboration and how to best utilize the regional talent and knowledge.
The business panel includes representatives from: Adaptive Materials;
Biotechnology Business Consultants; Cbeyond; Wayne State University's Smart
Sensors and Integrated Microsystems Lab; and Quality Metalcraft.

Automation Alley also will release the results of its recent market
research study, which focuses on the current state of regional companies
and the local and state economies. Highlights include anticipated
organizational and revenue growth, as well as continued investment in
research and development. Data from the survey reveals a majority of
Southeast Michigan companies are attributing growth to enhanced or added
products and services, which implies continued investment in research and
development.

Results Reveal Growth

According to the Technology Report, the life sciences sector is rapidly
growing as Automation Alley establishes itself as a leader, both in
Michigan and across the country. In this sector, employment grew by 13.2
percent from 2005 to 2006, and the average wage for workers grew in 2006 by
4.4 percent to over $97,000.

The study shows that despite overall economic declines and significant
restructuring in the automotive industry, Automation Alley's technology
industry has remained strong. From 2005 to 2006 there was a 2 percent
employment gain outside the advanced automotive sector, with life sciences
and advanced manufacturing leading the way.

The report asserts that small businesses are continuing to attract
large funds for research and development. In 2006, small businesses in
Automation Alley received 97 awards to fund research and development
activities in Southeast Michigan, totaling approximately $38.8 million and
surpassing the previous high from 2005.

Growth also continues for research and development within Automation
Alley universities, which have spent billions of dollars allowing their
technology-orientated programs to grow and helping to meet the demand for
high-skilled science and engineering workers. In 2006 there were a total of
12,194 science and engineering graduate students enrolled in Automation
Alley universities, which is 335 more students than the prior year, and 64
percent of the total science and engineering graduate student enrollment in
the state.

"As the automotive industry declines, regional businesses continue to
diversify, giving Southeast Michigan residents much to be hopeful about,"
said Anderson. "This report shows that Automation Alley's technology has a
larger share in the economy than the state and national levels. The
strength of the region's workforce and the importance placed on research
and development gives us all a reason to look forward to continued
advancement and growth."

Data from the study takes into account a variety of factors, including
employment, number of private businesses, payroll, demographics,
socio-economics and quality of life. Registration for the luncheon begins
at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch and presentations at noon. The cost of the
event is $40 for Automation Alley members and $80 for non-members. RSVP by
Nov. 10 at http://www.automationalley.com, or contact Automation Alley at
800-427-5100 or info@automationalley.com.

About Automation Alley

Automation Alley is a technology business association driving the
growth and image of Southeast Michigan's economy through a collaborative
culture that focuses on workforce and business development initiatives.

Since its founding in 1999, Automation Alley has expanded to include
more than 950 businesses, educational institutions and government entities,
covering an eight county area and the City of Detroit. Automation Alley
promotes regional prosperity through business attraction services,
exporting assistance, workforce development and technology acceleration.

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